Integrating a walk-in shower within the primary bathroom suite is known to attract buyers, thanks to their modern design and accessibility. In fact, for every dollar spent on adding a walk-in shower, the increase in home value can average $1.71, a return that's hard to ignore.
Add a walk-in shower or freestanding tub.
These luxuries make bathing a spa-like experience—and they can increase the value of your home.
Unlike bathtubs or shower enclosures, walk-in showers are more accessible and are a perfect solution for individuals with mobility challenges. They eliminate the need of stepping over a high ledge or tripping on a steep threshold while entering into the shower.
You can either pick a prefabricated design to save money or can design the customized shower of your dreams. Due to the wide range of options, the cost of a walk-in shower spans from $1,000–$15,000, with an average cost of $6,700.
Bathroom Vanity
Consider upgrading your countertops, faucet, and sink for maximum impact. You also might want to extend your vanity to include double sinks, particularly in a master bathroom. And, if you're looking for the highest ROI, opt for granite countertops with a modern sink and faucet design.
Generally, a bathtub is seen as more valuable in terms of resale value. This is because bathtubs are seen as more difficult and more expensive to install when compared to showers.
Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project. The amount you pay may vary depending on whether you choose a custom design or a one-piece stall.
Generally a lot more expensive than a walk-in shower. Everything can get wet if completely open plan. The whole room can get steamy and damp.
So, if we assume that the average person takes a 10-minute shower, you can expect to spend around 35p per shower on electricity. This is based on the calculation: Power (8.5kW) x cost per kWh (0.25) / 60 = 0.035, the cost per minute.
It's important to account for additional costs, like demolition and permits, which can impact the budget. Several key factors impact the cost of a walk-in shower. Shower size is one of the primary considerations: larger showers naturally cost more than standard size due to the extra materials and labor.
It typically has a low threshold, of a few inches, which can reduce the risk of falling in the bathroom. Although it can provide benefits to someone with mobility issues, insurance providers, such as Medicare, do not typically cover the costs.
The short answer is, it depends. Understanding the potential buyer of your home is key. If your neighborhood attracts many young families, removing the tub could indeed lower your home's resale value. However, there are situations where this might not be a significant concern.
The national average walk-in shower installation cost is $7,500. However, the typical range of walk-in shower prices is about $3,170 to $11,495. That's a wide range, so let's look at what will determine your own project cost.
In truth, there are many reasons why you might want to consider it. Generally speaking, shower enclosures are better suited to the modern lifestyle. Compared to baths, they're quicker, easier, and more convenient, and they're easier to access for people with limited mobility.
For a walk-in shower, we recommend a shower enclosure of at least 85cm. This ensures easy entry and exit and is ideal for smaller bathrooms or making the best use of space. For larger bathrooms, consider double-sided walk-in showers or even U-shaped configurations, with wall lengths of up to 180cm.
A standard-sized walk-in shower costs between $1,150 and $8,000. While the average walk-in shower is 32-by-32 inches, you can customize the size—you can have a shower that's half your bathroom or one small enough to fit in a corner.
If you are installing you walk in shower in a corner of a room and wish to enter from the front then you may require a glass end panel. This glass panel can be the same as the front panel but a different size to suit you tray.
KOHLER offers the LuxStone shower as another safe and beautiful walk-in solution for those who have mobility challenges or are not ready to purchase a walk-in tub. You can expect to pay between $5,000 to $30,000+ for a roll-in or walk-in shower without installation.
Items primarily used for self-help, convenience, or personal comfort are not, by Medicare's definition, medically necessary equipment. So a walk-in tub wouldn't be covered by Medicare. However, if you are eligible for Medicaid, your state's program might offer financial assistance for a walk-in bathtub.
Installing Your Bathtub Cut Out
The good news is, installation doesn't take long. Compared to a full bathroom renovation that may take weeks, this tub to step-through shower conversion takes just over an hour to complete. We recommend hiring an experienced contractor who knows the installation process inside and out.
When renovating your bathroom with resale in mind, choosing a color that will attract a wide range of buyers is essential. Neutral tones like gray, beige, and white, along with calming shades of blue and green, are the most likely to increase your home's value.
Though upgrading your tub to a shower could arguably be seen as a “pro” for better resale value, replacing your only tub is not as versatile for every type of homeowner. More difficult to bathe children and pets. Bathtubs can be a must-have for smaller children or pets.
Costs vary widely based on location, materials, and project scope. On average, you can expect to pay between $4,500 and $10,000 for a bathtub to shower conversion, with a median cost of around $7,250.